Defensive lapses plague Arizona Coyotes in loss to Flames: By the Numbers

By Arizona Sports | December 3, 2014 at 5:19 amUPDATED: December 3, 2014 at 5:19 am

It’s no secret the Arizona Coyotes have struggled to keep pucks out of their net this season. Arizona came into Tuesday’s game ranked 24th in the NHL in goals allowed per game (3.00) — they gave up five more to the Calgary Flames.

Calgary scored those five goals (including one empty netter) on just 24 shots, as they cruised past the Coyotes 5-2.

Rookie Josh Jooris scored his first career hat trick as the puck hit the back of the empty net with 46 seconds remaining. It was a night to remember for the 24-year-old forward as he was also credited with the game-winning goal.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored his second goal in as many games to open the scoring for Arizona. Sam Gagner scored his third of the year, but it was not enough offense to make up for the Coyotes’ defensive lapses.

Coyotes’ defensemen were often late to cover their assignments, leaving goaltender Mike Smith out to dry. Smith was not able to clean up the mess, stopping 19-of-23 shots for a lowly save percentage of .826.

Here’s a look at Tuesday’s loss by the numbers:

1

It did not take the Flames long to get on the board, scoring on their first shot of the game just 1:12 into the contest.

3

The Coyotes have lost all three games against Calgary this season after winning the season series last year 3-2.

5

Five different Flames had multi-point games on Tuesday (Dennis Wideman, Johnny Gaudreau, Curtis Glencorss, Jiri Hudler and Josh Jooris). Nine different Flames recorded at least one point.

7

Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle led all players with seven shots in 21:47 of ice time. The Bostonian also had an assist, extending his point streak to two games and four of the last five.

8

Mike Smith has now allowed four goals or more in eight games this season. He ranks near the bottom of every major goaltending statistic among starters.

19

The Flames were charged with a whopping 19 giveaways to the Coyotes’ one, but Arizona was unable to take advantage. The Coyotes outshot the Flames 29-24, but were unable to solve Calgary’s hot goaltender enough to eke out a win.

142:59

The Coyotes ended Flames goaltender Kari Ramo’s shutout strek at 142:59 with Ekman-Larsson’s first period goal. Before Tuesday, Ramo shutout his last two opponents, including the Coyotes last Saturday.